Signal device

ABSTRACT

A compact foldable signal having a flat triangular configuration in open position characterized by a base member having a pivotable fore and aft support arm retractable against stop members, means to support a warning flag or flare and oppositely pivoted signal arms which fold with the support arm to a compact essentially rectangular form and unfold to an apex for snap attachment at their ends to each other. In one embodiment, the base is provided with oppositely offset stop members so that the pivotable fore and aft support arm is rotatable in one direction for folding and in the other direction for unfolding. In another embodiment the rivets holding offset angle braces for the base form the stop members. Reflecting surfaces are provided which are retained by overlapping flanges of a backing member which provides both rigidity and permanence to the structure. In the folded condition the flag or flare stand holds one of the folding signal arms, while the hinge part on the opposite side has a snap fastening to engage the pivoting end of the other signal arm to unify the signal so that it does not unfold while handling.

United States Patent [72] lnventor [54] SIGNAL DEVICE 8 Claims, 12 Drawing Figs. 52 U.S.Cl 116/63, 40/12s,94/1.s 513 Int. Cl G08b 501 Field oISeareh 116/63,63

1,125,120 10/1956 France .1 116/63 1,126,516 7/1956 France 116/63 1,167,239 7/1958 France i 116/63 1,178,699 1 11196] France 116/63 681,763 1/1965 ltaly 116/63 443,071 1/1968 Switzerland .1 116/63 291,065 9/1953 Switzerland 1 16/63 Primary Examiner-Capozi, Louis J. Anomey-Harbaugh and Thomas ABSTRACT: A compact foldable signal having a flat triangular configuration in open position characterized by a base member having a pivotable fore and. aft support arm retractable against stop members, means to support a warning flag or flare and oppositely pivoted signal arms which fold with the support arm to a compact essentially rectangular form and unfold to an apex for snap attachment at their ends to each other. In one embodiment, the base is provided with oppositely offset stop members so that the pivotable fore and aft support arm is rotatable in one direction for folding and in the other direction for unfolding. In another embodiment the rivets holding offset angle braces for the base form the stop members. Reflecting surfaces are provided which are retained by overlapping flanges of a backing member which provides both rigidity and permanence to the structure. In the folded condition the flag or flare stand holds one of the folding signal arms, while the hinge part on the opposite side has a snap fastening to engage the pivoting end of the other signal arm to unify the signal so that it does not unfold while handling.

PAIENTEB JUL20 IHYI SHEET 1 [IF 2 I/VVE/VTOR MORTON A. SER/VOV/TZ A rforneys resistance.

wherein:

;side signal arms as they unfold;

SIGNAL DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is known in theart of portable signal devices to use a triangular configuration with a'pair of signal arms pivoted to each end of a base member which fold down to form a compact unit and which open to attach to each other at an apex. In one such device shown in German Pat. No. 368,079 and also shown in Italian PaLNo. 95,920 the use of snaplike fasteners at the ends of thepivotable signal arms to hold them in a triangular configuration isdisclosed. A pivotable fore and aft base is shown which recesses in folded condition between legs which rest horizontally on the ground or road surface. The reflecting surfaces are held by flangeson only one side of the signal .arms and base and have a checkered back surface for light diffusion. Devices of this type are awkward to handle, do

not stay foldedand are not stable under windy conditions because the tips of the basedo not grip the ground surface.

Highway safety devices of this general shape are now becoming accepted, reflective warning devices, flat triangular warningsignals formed of plastic reflectingsurfaces and contrasting border margins are used on the backs of vehicles p which travel 'm.p.h. or less and are endorsed by the farm conference of the National Safety Council and the National Institute for Farm Safety. These universal slow moving vehicle devices are now used in several states in the United States. The border margins are reflective for night visibility and surround the bright orange center of the sign.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The instant invention concemsan improved triangular signal device which'is more compact, more easily folded and handled and which is stable. under wind conditions having means to hold and fastenthe parts together in the folded condition with a flag or flare stand performing a double function. The instant device is a slow or stopped vehicle warning signal that meets or exceeds Interstate Commerce Commission regulations in shape, size, reflective power, accessories and wind FIG. 2 is a side elevational view showing the fore and aft brace-folded in place and the relative pivotal position of the FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2

"a I with the fore and aft brace unfolded and arrows to indicate the folding of same;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary plan view of the end of the base member showing the stop position of the fore and aft brace at one end thereof;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the lines 54; v

FIG. 6 is a side plan view of the signal device of this invention with the side signal arms and the fore and aft brace in unfolded condition; 7

FIG. 7 is-a side plan view, similar to. FIG. 6 with the apex of the side signal arms separated at the end of the, unfolding operation or beginning of the folding operation;

FIG .'8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the lines 8-8 of FIG. 1;"

FIG.'9 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken along the lines 9- 9 ofFIG. 7; I v g FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional viewltaken along thelines 10-10 of FIG. 7; and

FIG. IA is a fragmentary disassembled viewof a modified formof flag support and adjustablestaff. v

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view like FIG. 10 ofa modified signal arm whereinfthe flanged backing members are omitted and the reflecting plates are attached back to back by a waterproof adhesive layer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, FIG. I shows the signal device 10 of this invention in unfolded condition as same would be placed upon a roadway or other surface for the purpose of signaling the presence nearby of an obstruction in the roadway such as a stalled vehicle or the like. One such signal device is shown, it being understood that a device of this nature is placed at any strategic position at or near fore or aft the obstruction so as to give appropriate warning to traffic or other moving objects by its presence and shape and by reflection of light from its reflecting surfaces. Under normal conditions as a night time signal, one such signal device would be placed fore and aft and at the side of stopped vehicle. At least one signal device can be placed at. the rear of a stalled vehicle that has pulled to the side of a roadway or is in a lane of traffic on a roadway. The placement of one or more signal devices at the end of the slow moving car can be used.

The signal device 10 comprises three signal members, one being the bottom member 12 which is generally horizontally disposed and the pair of pivotally mounted folding signal members I4 and 16,-the former being pivoted at the other end and on the opposite side of the bottom member 12 by the rivet 18. FIG. 9 shows the details of the manners of engagement of the rivets through the bottom and pivoted signal members, in this instance, illustrated by the rivet 20.

The support or stand members for the device comprise the elongated base member 22, the tip ends of which are bent downwardly as indicated at 24 and have the serrations or teeth 26 along the edge for engagement with the earth's surface or any other object upon which the device may be placed. The base member 22 is preferably a piece of strap iron or a reasonably strong and dense metal alloy structure, such as steel, which will function as a support and can be protected by paint or in itself be corrosion resistant and not subject to breakage or bending during rough usage. The base member 22 is generally flat and has a pair of brackets 28 and 28', located each at an end thereof (see FIGS. 4 and 5) and held by means of the rivets 30 having rounded heads 32 protruding from the underside. Thebrackets 28 are L-shaped, and each have a flat base 34 engaged by the rivet through a" suitable aperture therein. The upright part of the brackets is engaged by the rivets l8 and 20, also through a suitable aperture and in a manner to be described. The brackets 28 and 28' can have their bases 34 extending toward the same side or edge of the base 22 or can be alternated as desired and are positioned so that the upright tab thereof is substantially central of the width of the base 22.

A central bore is provided in the base 22 carrying the rivet 40 which passes through a point substantially midlength of the second supporting base 42, the latter being shorter than the base 22 rotatably mounted therefrom. The rivet 40 is tightened sufliciently so that the ends 44 of the base 42 engage the under surface of the base 22 as indicated at contact point 46, when pivoted to the in-line position shown in FIG. 4. Itis to be observed that the rivets 30 are spaced from the ends of the base 22 and also offset from the centerline of the base (FIG. 5). This places the larger rivet head 32 in the plane of the second and pivotable base support 42 so its innermost edge 48 contacts this rivet head and forms a stop member. The base support 42 is yieldable and can be pivoted over and past the rivet heads 32 in either direction. With the rivet heads 32 onthe same side or along the same edge 50 of the base 22, as the second and pivotable base 42 is pivoted relative to the base 22, one of its arms will contact a rivet head 32 on the rear side 50 of the base 22, ride up in a cam action over the rounded surface of the rivet head and come to rest in the position shown in FIG. 5. At the same time the other end of the base member 42 comes to rest against the other rivet head 32. With the rivets 32 on opposite edges of the base member 22, an opposite action takes place wherein both of the ends 44 contact the rivet heads practically simultaneously and then are sprung or cammed over the rivet heads or strike the rivet heads simultaneously to assume the locked position, depending on the direction of rotation. In either embodiment the base 22 is resiliently locked in the folded position by the tip ends 44 contacting the underside of the base 22 and the rivets so that a little more force is necessary to start the unfolding action.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ends 52 of the base 42 can be rounded so that the leading edge of the curved ends strikes the comer of the contact point or line 46 and cams the base support 42 into a slightly bowed position (FIG. 4). It is also seen that when the base support 42 is swung out to the 90 position of FIG. 3 its bottom surface and the teeth 26 of the base support 22 are in substantially the same plane, at each end and thus adapted to rest on all four points on a planar surface.

The base 22 has the side tab 54 (FIG. 1) central thereof and opposite the rivet 40 to which is welded or otherwise affixed, with the short tube 56 extending in an upright position on the side opposite the support base 42. The tube 56 serves as a receptacle for a flag pole 58 which can have a suitable red flag (not shown) at the top. The pole 58 can telescope to form suitable extended and recessed lengths, the latter length being preferably no longer than the base support 22 so as to be the same length for packaging. The tube 56 can also serve as a receptacle for a flare or flashing light.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 7, both of the signal members 14 and 16, pivotally mounted at their ends by means of the rivets l8 and 20, are flat quadralaterals with one pair of opposite sides being parallel and the ends or shorter sides 60 are of substantially equal length subtending an angle of about 60 with each other. This defines the shape of these members to be trapezoidal and the ends to extend outwardly at an angle of about 120 from the base 62. These members are each pivoted to the base signal member 12 which has essentially the same shape but is held by means of the brackets 28 and 28 in an inverted position from the signal members 14 and 16, that is, with the longer of the parallel sides 64 adjacent and spaced from the base support 22. The space 66 therebetween allows the corners to clear the base 22 when the signal members 14 and 16 are pivoted to the upright of angled position shown in FIG. 7 and ultimately to the symmetrical position shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. The comers at the longer sides strike the top of the member 22 and serve as stop members in the unfolding.

The member 14 has the rivet 70 (FIG. 8) therein at the end opposite the pivoted end with the female snap fastener pocket 72 on the inside. The member 16 has the rivet 74 with the male snap fastener protuberance 76 also on the inside. When the members 14 and 16 are pivoted from the base member 12 and these rivet halves are brought together, these snap fasteners are engageable by slight pressure one into the other to hold these members in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. his to be observed that the device then takes the form of a triangle having essentially equal length sides with each of the angled ends coinciding with the outer edge of the next adjacent member. In the folded condition (FIG. 2), the length of the device does not change.

In one aspect of this invention the base member 12 and the pivotal members 14 and 16 are each identically constructed and drilled for the rivets 18, 20, 70 and 74. Each comprises, as illustrated in FIG. 10, a pair of trapezoidal shaped frame or backing members 80 and 82 having the flanged edges 84 and 86 with the back or inwardly turned flanges 88 and 90 thereon. It is apparent that all of the backing members 80 and 82 are also identical and are assembled back to back in pairs with their flanges opening outwardly. Any means may be used to hold the backing members in the back-to-back relationship such as the small edge rivets 92 having flat heads. A total of six such backing members are used in the structure. The flanges 84 and 86 are only on the longer edges of the members 80 and 82 so that the ends are open to slidably receive the pair of identical reflecting plates 94 and 96 for each signal member. The plates are constructed of tough red plastic having a reflective checkered design 98 (illustrated in part) on the back surface and the longer edges or sides are provided with the flat flanges 100 adapted to be engaged with the flanges 84 and 88 or 86 and 90 of the backing members in their assembled condition. The insertion of the rivets 70, 74, 18, and 20 completes the assemblies.

A preferred type of reflective material for the reflectors 94-96 comprises methyl methacrylate and acrylic ester polymers characterized by their excellent stability, glasslike clarity and toughness. Such plastics are also formable into reflectors which meet the Federal and SAE minimum specifcations for reflectivity for red reflectors. The instant signal also passes the wind test wherein it withstands wind velocities of more than 45 mph.

A number of modifications of the invention can be made. The tube 102 can be a rod such as the rod 104 shown in FIG. 1A, and the staff 106 adapted to fit over the outside of the rod instead of the inside as shown in FIG. I. The staff 106 is tubular and has the longitudinal slot 108 which is closed at the bottom and open at the top, with the side notch 110 therein. The flag support rod 112 has the tab 114 extending radially from one side. The rod 112 telescopes within the hollow staff with the tab 114 engaged within the slot 108. The raised position of the rod 112 in the staff 106 is maintained by turning the rod so that the tab 114 catches in the notch 110. To collapse the staff the rod is turned and telescoped inward with the tab 114 at the bottom of the notch. The flag 116 has the sewn-in pocket 118 to receive the end of the rod. In its collapsed position the staff 106 is no longer than the folded signal device 10 to facilitate placing these folded units in compact form within a plastic container or the like. A rubber foot as illustrated at 27 in FIG. 7 can be used on the ends 24 of the base member 22. The staff 106 can comprise a tubular member in which is provided a telescoping rod. The tubular staff can have a slot and the rod be provided with a tab engaging the slot to act as a stop member in the extended position of the staff.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, it is seen that the tube 56 is spaced as at 102 from the base signal member 12 so that the signal member 14 when folded to the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 passes into this space and is held in the folded condition. Where the flag staff fits over the tube rod 56 the space 106 is defined by the outer surface of the staff and the signal member. The head end of the rivet 18 on the side opposite the tube 56 can have a female snap fastener member 72 therein to receive the male snap fastener, in folded condition, to hold that signal member in position. Such a snap fastener junction is indicated at 106 in FIG. 3.

Another modification is shown in FIG. 11 wherein the white backing plates are omitted and the two plates 94 and 96 are scaled back to back by means of the waterproof adhesive layer 120. The adhesive layer 120 can be continuous or discontinuous and be transparent, translucent or fluorescent or contain a pigment as desired such as a metal oxide or finely divided aluminum particles to add to the reflective properties of the layer. Also the inside surfaces 122 and 124 of the plates 94 and 96 can have a metallized layer or film thereon, such as sprayed metal including aluminum, over which the adhesive layer 120 is applied. Known forms of pressure-sensitive adhesives can be used. Preferrably the layer 120 is continuous at all of the edges 126 so that the inside surfaces of the plates 94 and 96 are maintained free of dirt and water which would tend to diminish the reflective power of the device. Such sealing is required to meet some of the governmental specifications for road safety devices.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 where the adhesive is transparent or only seals at the edges 126 it is seen that a given light beam 128 directed from one side of the reflective arm, so formed will encounter four reflective surfaces or interfaces, namely the outside surface of the plate 96, the surface 122 and 124, and finally the intersurface of the plate 94. In addition the checkered design or relief 98 offers additional reflective surfaces from both plates. Accordingly the transmitted beam 130 will be of minimal intensity while the summation of reflected beams will be maximum with this construction. Alternatively the layer 120 can have high reflectance properties or be opaque so that the beam 130 is nonexistent.

What] claim is:

l. A foldable signal device comprising in combination:

an elongated flat base member having curved downturned end portions adapted to engage a supporting surface;

a second flat base member centrally mounted on a frictional pivot axis on the under side of said first base member and having its ends pivotable from a position frictionally engaging said downturned end portion to a spread position;

a first essentially flat double-sided reflective signal member attached to said base member with the reflective surfaces thereof substantially perpendicular thereto;

stop means between said base members to hold the respective ends in said frictional engagement;

a pair of essentially flat double-sided reflective signal members pivotally attached at one of their ends on opposite sides of and at the ends of said first signal member;

said signal members being of substantially the same length and longer than one-half the length of said first signal member and pivotable from said base member to form an apex above said base member;

snap fastener means to hold said signal arms in said apex position; and

snap fastener means to hold said signal arms in the folded position contiguous to the sides of said first signal member.

2. A signal device in accordance with claim 1 in which:

a. an end of said second base member is rounded to provide a cam surface frictionally engaging the under surface of an end of said flat base member.

3. A signal device in accordance with claim 2 in which:

a. the pivotal attachment of said signal members to said first signal members to said first signal member comprises a rivet member extending through said members;

b. the means for attachment of said signal arms in said apex position comprises a rivet member extending through the pivotal ends of each of said signal members and having mating snap fastener heads on the inside; and

c. one of said rivet members at said apex position also being engageable with one of said rivets pivotally holding the opposite signal arm.

4. A foldable signal device comprising, in combination:

a first base member having a flat upper surface and curved downturned end portions the edges of which are adapted to engage a horizontal supporting surface;

a second flat base member pivotally mounted on a frictional axis to the under side of said first base member and having its ends pivotable from a position of registry between the downturned ends of said first base member with the under side of said second base member in the plane of the edges of said downturned end portions;

a first signal member having a reflective surface on each side and being attached to said first base member in a plane perpendicular to said flat surface of said first base member;

a pair of signal arms having reflective surfaces on each of their respective sides;

said signal arms each being substantially the same length as said first signal member and having one of their ends pivotally attached by rivet means on opposite sides and at the respective ends of said first signal member whereby said signal arms are foldable to a closed position with their respective inner reflective surfaces contiguous to and on opposite sides of said llirst signal member and edgewise upon said upper surface of said first base member and pivotable away from same to form an apex at their other ends with said signal members in a triangular configuration; and snap fastener means at the ends of sad signal arms to m' terengage and hold said signal arms at the apex, said snap fastener means being adapted to interengage with said rivets to hold said signal arms in the folded position.

5. A foldable signal device in accordance with claim 4 in which:

said signal member and signal arms each include an elongated flat backing member having opposed outwardly directed edge flanges; and

the respective reflective surfaces comprise a panel of reflective materiai having coplanar edges along their sides engaged under said edge flanges of said backing member.

6. A foldable signal device in accordance with claim 4 in which:

an end of said second base member is rounded to frictionally cam against the curved undersides of the downturned ends of said flat base member in the position of registry.

7. A foldable signal device in accordance with claim 4 in which:

an upright flag staff support member is provided intermediate the ends of said first base member and spaced from said first signal member a distance sufficient to yieldably receive the signal arm pivoted on that side of said first signal member; and

a flag and staff are provided to removably interengage with said support with said flag at a position toward said apex.

8. A foldable signal device in accordance with claim 7 in which:

said flag staff includes a tubular member and a rodlike member received therein in telescoping relationship;

an elongated slot in the wall of said tubular member, said slot having an offset notch in one edge;

a protuberance on said flag staff adapted to engage in said slot as the staff telescopes within said tubular member, and also adapted to engage in said notch upon rotation of said flag staff in relation to said tubular member, whereby said flag staff and tubular member telescope to a compact length and are extendable with said flag at signal position with said protuberance engaging said notch. 

1. A foldable signal device comprising in combination: an elongated flat base member having curved downturned end portions adapted to engage a supporting surface; a second flat base member centrally mounted on a frictional pivot axis on the under side of said first base member and having its ends pivotable from a position frictionally engaging said downturned end portion to a spread position; a first essentially flat double-sided reflective signal member attached to said base member with the reflective surfaces thereof substantially perpendicular thereto; stop means between said base members to hold the respective ends in said frictional engagement; a pair of essentially flat double-sided reflective signal members pivotally attached at one of their ends on opposite sides of and at the ends of said first signal member; said signal members being of substantially the same length and longer than one-half the length of said first signal member and pivotable from said base member To form an apex above said base member; snap fastener means to hold said signal arms in said apex position; and snap fastener means to hold said signal arms in the folded position contiguous to the sides of said first signal member.
 2. A signal device in accordance with claim 1 in which: a. an end of said second base member is rounded to provide a cam surface frictionally engaging the under surface of an end of said flat base member.
 3. A signal device in accordance with claim 2 in which: a. the pivotal attachment of said signal members to said first signal members to said first signal member comprises a rivet member extending through said members; b. the means for attachment of said signal arms in said apex position comprises a rivet member extending through the pivotal ends of each of said signal members and having mating snap fastener heads on the inside; and c. one of said rivet members at said apex position also being engageable with one of said rivets pivotally holding the opposite signal arm.
 4. A foldable signal device comprising, in combination: a first base member having a flat upper surface and curved downturned end portions the edges of which are adapted to engage a horizontal supporting surface; a second flat base member pivotally mounted on a frictional axis to the under side of said first base member and having its ends pivotable from a position of registry between the downturned ends of said first base member with the under side of said second base member in the plane of the edges of said downturned end portions; a first signal member having a reflective surface on each side and being attached to said first base member in a plane perpendicular to said flat surface of said first base member; a pair of signal arms having reflective surfaces on each of their respective sides; said signal arms each being substantially the same length as said first signal member and having one of their ends pivotally attached by rivet means on opposite sides and at the respective ends of said first signal member whereby said signal arms are foldable to a closed position with their respective inner reflective surfaces contiguous to and on opposite sides of said first signal member and edgewise upon said upper surface of said first base member and pivotable away from same to form an apex at their other ends with said signal members in a triangular configuration; and snap fastener means at the ends of said signal arms to interengage and hold said signal arms at the apex, said snap fastener means being adapted to interengage with said rivets to hold said signal arms in the folded position.
 5. A foldable signal device in accordance with claim 4 in which: said signal member and signal arms each include an elongated flat backing member having opposed outwardly directed edge flanges; and the respective reflective surfaces comprise a panel of reflective material having coplanar edges along their sides engaged under said edge flanges of said backing member.
 6. A foldable signal device in accordance with claim 4 in which: an end of said second base member is rounded to frictionally cam against the curved undersides of the downturned ends of said flat base member in the position of registry.
 7. A foldable signal device in accordance with claim 4 in which: an upright flag staff support member is provided intermediate the ends of said first base member and spaced from said first signal member a distance sufficient to yieldably receive the signal arm pivoted on that side of said first signal member; and a flag and staff are provided to removably interengage with said support with said flag at a position toward said apex.
 8. A foldable signal device in accordance with claim 7 in which: said flag staff includes a tubular member and a rodlike member received therein in telescoping relationship; an elongated slot in the wall of said tubular member, said slot having an offset notch in One edge; a protuberance on said flag staff adapted to engage in said slot as the staff telescopes within said tubular member, and also adapted to engage in said notch upon rotation of said flag staff in relation to said tubular member, whereby said flag staff and tubular member telescope to a compact length and are extendable with said flag at signal position with said protuberance engaging said notch. 